Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the medical term for razor bumps, a common problem for about 60 percent of African American men, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Curly hair causes razor bumps when hair grows back into the skin after shaving. Razor bumps can cause inflammation of the skin and ingrown hairs can trigger a foreign body reaction. Razor bumps harden over time and cause scarring. Products are available that help to prevent razor bumps.
Lubricants, Hair Softeners and Cleansers
The UAB Health System recommends that you always use a shaving cream or gel when you shave. African American men should apply a lubricant after wetting the face with warm water and wait to shave for a few minutes until the hair is softened. Hair softened with shaving cream is less likely to become ingrown. Medicated shaving foams, such as Benzashave, are available by prescription. Preshave solutions, such as Hydroglyde, applied before shaving creams or gels, provide additional softening of the hairs. An exfoliating cleanser used a couple of times a week helps to prevent razor bumps by removing dead skin cells and ingrown hairs.
Single-Blade Razor
A daily shave using a single-blade razor with heavy application of shaving cream is less likely than multiple-edged razors to create razor bumps. Razors sharpen the ends of curly hair and create a sharp point, which easily pierces your skin. Double and triple-edged blades can cut too closely, causing the hair to retract into your skin and the pointy-tipped hairs to grow inward. The American College of Osteopathic Dermatology recommends the Aveeno PFB Bump Fighter Razor and the Flicker razor.
Clippers or Electric Shaver
Clippers, unlike razors, do not perform a close shave. Clippers leave hair long enough -- about the length of a grain of rice -- that it does not curve and grow back into the skin, according to UAB Health Systems. Set the clippers or shaver to a low setting to prevent a too-close shave.
Prescription Ointments
Dr. Susan Taylor, at BrownSkin.net, suggests prescription creams as possible remedies for stubborn razor bumps. Prescription creams that reduced razor bumps in studies are retinoids, topical antibiotics and hydroquinones. Talk to your doctor about whether these types of products are appropriate for you.
Chemical Shaving Products
Chemical products such as shaving powders and depilatories dissolve hair; however, they must be used carefully to avoid chemical burns on your face. The American College of Osteopathic Dermatology recommends that you test these products on your skin for less than the time recommended by the package instructions. These products are for use on skin that is free of bumps and should be applied carefully and removed completely. Depilatories should be neutralized by rinsing your face with a vinegar solution -- one tbsp of vinegar per pint of water -- followed by more rinsing with plain water. See your doctor before using chemical products on your face.
Tips
UAB Health Systems suggest that you minimize skin irritation and worsening of your razor bumps by waiting a few days to shave and allow your skin to heal. Avoid shaving the same area repeatedly and shave your hair in the natural direction of its growth.
Warnings
The American College of Osteopathic Dermatology cautions that skin with razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, is easily irritated and requires more care than normal skin.
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